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A major campaign has been launched in recession-hit Wigan to get folk to buy local.
Endorsed by council and business chiefs, the drive coincides with the Wigan Observer's own new crusade We're Backing Wigan. This in turn was given the wholehearted support of Council leader Lord Smith
From the corner shop to the local supermarket, we are joining with the council to urge all of you to use your spending power to help us weather the current economic storm by keeping business in the borough.
Lord Smith joined Deputy Leader Coun David Molyneux, local businessman Antony Winnard and town centre manager Mike Matthews to launch the Buy Local campaign officially.
Lord Smith said: "Everywhere is feeling the effects of the global downturn and while our borough's business base is broad and diverse, we are facing the same pressures.
"However there is no help like self-help, and as a resourceful community we have to find local solutions.
"So we are asking residents in all the communities and towns of the borough to consider shopping locally wherever possible so that together we can protect ourselves from the worst effects of these difficult times."
And on the Observer's We're Backing Wigan drive, Lord Smith said: "We are going through times in which people need support and may have to manage as best they can.
"We endorse anything that shows people where to find the best bargains – especially if they are local – and how to cope through more difficult circumstances."
You can find virtually everything you need in our borough and there really is a great range of shops, from large stores to long-established family businesses. So you can easily cut down on the cost and time of visiting other areas and help yourself at the same time.
If you needed more proof, here are five great reasons for keeping it local:
You will be supporting the unique character and diversity of the borough's vibrant shopping districts;
Your money will support local jobs, wages and improve the well-being of your community;
If you shop locally you'll be saving time and money and you'll find a friendly service and specialist advice all in one place;
Thanks to your custom, local businesses are more likely to survive, succeed and stay local.
Local businesses may well be a "greener" choice, especially those which get their supplies locally and have lower transport costs.
One local business that's backing the campaign is the borough's very own world famous sweet maker, Uncle Joe's.
Joint managing director Antony Winnard played host to the launch at the Uncle Joe's Emporium on Crompton Street.
Mr Winnard said: "I think it's a brilliant idea and one everyone should be backing. If we can keep business within the borough we can protect jobs and not see money go to other areas. As a company we are faring well at the present time, we have diversified a little bit which has helped but the more trade we keep local, the better for everyone."
Wigan Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Champion for Regeneration, Coun Molyneux added: "Your next purchase could be just streets away and all we ask is for everyone to consider the local options first.
"Whether it's a big purchase or your weekly shop if it's in the borough we all benefit so…Buy Local!"
To help kick-start the campaign the council has created an online directory containing the details of more than 5,000 local shops and businesses.
Wigan residents can find out more, pledge support for the campaign and sign up if they are a business by visiting: www.wigan.gov.uk/ Services/ BusinessRegeneration/BuyLocal/ Alternatively call the Buy Local team on (01942) 828890.
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Weather for Wigan
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -5 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South east
